System and method for reducing emissions from a dust generation station including a metal cutting station

ABSTRACT

A system and method for reducing the emissions from a dust generation station, such as a metal cutting station, can be easily transported from location to location. The system uses a mobile carrier which supports a separator, such as a baghouse, as well as a telescopically adjustable duct. A hood, which is attached to the duct and serves to contain exhaust gases generated at the dust generating station, is capable of rotation about the hood pivot point. An exhaust fan serves to induce flow of the exhaust gas from the hood, through the duct and across the separator. A mobile, emission-free metal cutting system incorporates the system for reducing emissions as well as a mobile transport cutting machine.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/212,930 filed on Aug. 5, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,736.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to a reduced emission, dustmanagement station. More specifically, the present invention relates toa mobile, reduced emission metal cutting station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Emissions, used herein to define particulates, dust, andgranules, are generated during metal cutting, such as oxy-cutting,sandblasting, laser cutting, and the manufacture of asphalt, amongothers. Collectively, such activities are referred to herein as dustgenerating activities and the sites at which such dust is generated isreferred to herein as dust generation stations. The emissions, which areoften present within the exhaust gas generated at such dust generatingstations have been treated in a variety of ways. In particular, systemsdesigned to contain emissions generated from metal cutting processes,such as oxy-cutting, currently exist.

[0004] Nevertheless, the conventional systems available to date haveseveral drawbacks. For example, the conventional systems that currentlyexist are not mobile but are typically installed as fixed structures atthe site where the metal cutting or other dust generating processesoccur. Moreover, these conventional systems are expensive and aredesigned to accommodate users with a large volume of product requiringprocessing such as metal cutting. Further, such systems are not designedto accommodate users who do not require a large volume of products to bemetal-cut due to the expense of installing a fixed structure. Yetanother drawback is that the conventional systems presently availableare not versatile in that they typically only accommodate metal cuttingof a single type of product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the presentinvention provides a mobile system for treating exhaust gas generatedfrom a dust generating station, such as a metal cutting station. Thesystem of present invention is a new emission-free, mobile metal cuttingstation that can be moved from location to location and takes intoaccount variations in the type of products requiring metal cutting. Thepresent invention can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembledand can be transported from location to location on regular roadways.The present invention accommodates the needs of those customers with asmall volume of product requiring metal cutting or other dustmanagement. The present invention also contemplates a method fortreating exhaust gas generated from a dust generation station, as wellas a mobile, reduced emission metal cutting system and related method.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mobile systemfor treating exhaust gas includes a mobile carrier comprising a framesupported by wheels, and a separator for separating particulates fromthe exhaust gas generated from the dust generating station. Theseparator provides a substantially particulate-free gas stream and ismounted on the frame. A telescopically adjustable duct, is connected tothe separator at its inlet and serves to convey the exhaust gas to theseparator. The system also includes an adjustable exhaust hood forcontaining the exhaust gas generated from the dust generating station.The exhaust hood is connected to the duct through a flexible ductconnection comprising a hood pivot point and is capable of rotationabout the hood pivot point. An exhaust fan, or some other device,induces the exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust hood, through the duct,and through the separator.

[0007] According to the related method for treating exhaust gasgenerated from a dust generation station, the mobile system havingaspects as those described above is transported to a location near adust generation station. Then, the hood is positioned over the dustgenerating station to contain the exhaust gas by at least one of: (1)pivoting the duct about the inlet central axis, (2) longitudinallyadjusting the length of the duct, (3) adjusting the height and angle ofthe duct and (4) rotating is the exhaust hood about a hood pivot point.The exhaust gas is induced to flow from the exhaust hood, through theduct, and through the separator, and the particulates of the exhaust gasare separated in the separator. Medium leaving the separator is asubstantially particulate-free gas stream.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile, reducedemission metal-cutting system includes, in addition to the systemdescribed above, a mobile cutting machine comprising: a cuttinginstrument, such as a plurality of torches; and a torch support that ismounted on a boom-end of the mobile transport cutting machine. A tableor another apparatus provides a cutting surface for use in conjunctionwith the cutting instrument.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofcutting metal and reducing emissions therefrom comprises transporting,to a metal cutting site, a mobile cutting machine of the invention andtransporting, to the metal cutting site, a mobile carrier having theseparator, adjustable duct, and hood as described above. The method theninvolves positioning the metal cutting station so that the torch cuttingmachine is at a height and angle to enable metal cutting of the product.The method includes positioning the exhaust hood over the metal-cuttingstation to contain the exhaust gas by at least one of: (1) pivoting theduct about the inlet central axis, (2) longitudinally adjusting thelength of the duct, (3) adjusting the height and angle of the duct and(4) rotating the exhaust hood about a hood pivot point. The method alsoincludes inducing the exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust hood, throughthe duct, and through the separator.

[0010] These and other aspects of the invention are set forth below withreference to the drawings and the description of exemplary embodimentsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.Included in the drawings are the following figures:

[0012]FIG. 1A is a side view, partially cut-away, of a portion of mobilesystem for treating exhaust gas according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 1B is a side view, partially cut-away, of the remainingportion of the mobile system for treating exhaust gas and a mobilecutting machine according to the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dirty airinlet shown in FIG. 1A;

[0015]FIG. 3A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ductillustrating adjustments in duct length;

[0016]FIG. 3B is a radial cross-sectional view along the line III-III inFIG. 1B;

[0017]FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible duct connection near the dirty airinlet end of the duct; and

[0018]FIGS. 5A and 5B provide an enlarged side views, partiallycut-away, of the exhaust hood and the flexible duct connection, showingthe curtain lengths at different heights and different hood anglesrelative to the duct. The hood is always maintained perpendicular to theground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The system shown in FIG. 1A includes amobile carrier 32, having a frame 40 and a plurality of mobile carriertrailer wheels 14 supporting the frame. The frame can be any suitableframe having the strength and rigidity to support the mobile system ofthe invention, and is generally in the shape and size of a conventionaltrailer suitable for being driven on a highway. Mounted on frame 40 ofthe mobile carrier is a separator 31, such as a baghouse, having aplurality of is multiple separator compartments 9 and containing aplurality of filters 36. As will be explained below, separator 31 servesto separate particulates from the exhaust gas generated from a dustgenerating station to provide a substantially particulate-free gasstream. Separator 31 defines a dirty air inlet 6, shown morespecifically in FIG. 2 and discussed below, and also has a removable topand or portions of its top, which are removable, primarily for cleaningand maintenance access. Inlet 6 serves to receive the exhaust gas fromthe dust generating station. Separator 31 also defines an outlet, at theend of a fan exhaust stack 10, for emitting the substantiallyparticulate-free gas stream. Included on mobile carrier 32 also is adust conveyor 12 which collects the dust falling from filters 36 andfeeds it to a dump conveyor 13, where it is fed to a dumping area whereit can be collected. An on board air compressor 8 is also mounted on theframe 40 of the mobile carrier 32 for providing pressurized air.

[0020] A telescopically adjustable duct 4 is connected to separator 31at dirty air inlet 6. Duct 4 serves to convey the exhaust gas to theseparator and has a flexible duct connection 23 near the dirty air inlet6. Duct 4 is discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 3A, 3B,and 4. On the opposite end of duct 4, the duct is connected to anadjustable exhaust hood 3, having a hood central axis 35, which servesto contain the exhaust gas generated from the dust generating station.As described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B, exhausthood 3 is connected to duct 4 through a flexible duct connection and iscapable of rotation about the hood pivot point 29. An exhaust fan 11,mounted between exhaust stack 10 and the compartments of separator 31,serves to induce the exhaust gas to flow from exhaust hood 3, throughduct 4, and across separator 31. A baghouse mounted on a mobile carrierhaving an exhaust fan, an exhaust stack, a dust conveyor and a dumpconveyor is commercially available from C.P. Environmental, Inc.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, exhaust hood 3 is connected totelescopically adjustable radial duct 4 by means of a flexible ductconnection 15, which is a conventional accordion-style duct which allowsbends in the duct and is often made of hard rubber.

[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1B, in the exemplary embodiment, exhausthood 3 is connected to the telescopically adjustable radial duct 4 bymeans of flexible duct connection 15. As illustrated, exhaust hood 3 isalso connected to upper duct frame 24 by a cylinder for hood adjustment16. Flexible duct connection 15 and cylinder for hood adjustment 16enable exhaust hood 3 to move about a hood pivot point 29 which allowsfor the proper angling of exhaust hood 3 so that the exhaust hoodmaintains a 90° angle with the ground. In another exemplary embodiment,exhaust hood 3 contains a set of adjustable hood curtains 19. In thepreferred embodiment, hood curtains 19 contain cut-outs for maintainingthe necessary air flow required to evacuate the exhaust gas. Also, hoodcurtains 19 should be adjusted in such a way as to allow for air atatmospheric pressure to be drawn in from all four sides of exhaust hood3 upon actuation of exhaust fan 11.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1B, multi-positional duct support frameconsisting of an upper support duct frame 24 and a lower support ductframe 30, a frame support wheel 18; a pair of height adjustable devices5, and a motor with set of controls 7 and a frame support drive wheel17. During the assembly phase, proper positioning of duct 4 with respectto torch support 2 is accomplished by running the motor operated usingcontrols 7. Controls 7 are used to move support drive wheel 17 which inturn causes upper support duct frame 24, lower support duct frame 30,and subsequently duct 4, to move frame support wheel 18 thereby allowingduct 4 and upper and lower duct support frames 24 and 30 to pivot aroundthe axis of dirty air inlet 6, so that duct 4 can be positioned at thecorrect angle between separator 31 and torch support 2. Next, exhausthood 3 and the duct 4 are positioned above mobile transport cuttingmachine 33 by (1) longitudinally adjusting the telescopically adjustableradial duct 4; (2) rotating the exhaust hood 3 about the hood pivotpoint 29 (3) adjusting hood curtains 19 of the exhaust hood 3 so thatthe hood curtains allow proper air flow. As such, a tent-like enclosureis formed by exhaust hood 3 and adjustable hood curtains 19. In thismanner, the tent-like enclosure captures all or substantially all of theexhaust gas generated from the metal cutting process. In the exemplaryembodiment, duct 4 is longitudinally expandable by means of a winch 22and take-off sheave 41, connected by a winch cable 37, in a knownmanner. In addition, hood curtains 19 of exhaust hood 3, are comprisedof rigid, flame retardant material in a preferred embodiment.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1B, in the exemplary embodiment, heightpositioning of the upper and lower support frame 24 and 30 andsubsequently duct 4, and exhaust hood 3 are performed by a pair ofheight adjustable devices 5, such as pneumatic pistons or cylinders,connected to upper duct support frame 24 and lower duct support frame30. Proper positioning of the duct and exhaust hood 3 is necessary sothat an enclosure tent is formed over the dust generating stationwhereby emissions are trapped. Height positioning of duct 4 and exhausthood 3 is determined, in part, by the shape of the product requiringmetal cutting. In an exemplary embodiment, the height and angularpositioning of the duct 4 and exhaust hood 3 are controlled by anelectrical drive unit, containing controls, mounted on control unit 7.

[0025] The system for metal cutting illustrated in FIG. 1B includes amobile transport cutting machine 33 comprising a drive motor and anelectrical drive unit (not shown), a cutting instrument 1, and amultidirectional torch support 2 mounted to the framework. In theexemplary embodiment, the multi-positional frame of the boom end ofmobile transport cutting machine 33 is designed to rotate on its pivotpoint, which allows cutting instrument 1 to follow the top surface ofthe products requiring metal-cutting. Additionally, the multi-positionalframe has a second pivot point that enables the frame to rotateclockwise and counter clockwise on the longitudinal axis of the boom-endof mobile transport cutting machine 33. Thus, the boom-end of themulti-positional frame of mobile transport cutting machine 33 isarticulated on two axes, which allows for a variety height adjustments.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1B, cutting instrument 1 and torch support 2 areinstalled on the boom-end of the multi-positional frame of mobiletransport cutting machine 33. Torch support 2 provides a carriage forcutting instrument 1 and is capable of multi-directional movement. Assuch, torch support 2 operates to position cutting instrument 1 alongthe vertical axis thereby positioning the cutting instrument at thecorrect height for optimal cutting. Additionally, torch support 2provides for horizontal movement of cutting instrument 1 by moving thecutting instrument 1 perpendicular to the planes of two-axis horizontalmovement over the product requiring metal cutting. Hydraulic motorspower these rotational motions. Hydraulic pressure and flow for thehydraulic motors is supplied from a hydraulic unit (not shown) mountedon mobile transport cutting machine 33. An electrical drive unit mountedon mobile transport cutting machine 33 controls the vertical andhorizontal movements of torch support 2 and the hydraulic motors.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, cutting instrument 1 comprisesmultiple torches. Each of the torches installed on the multi-positionalframe of mobile transport cutting machine 33 is mounted on anindependent travel system that is propelled by an independent electricaldrive motor. Each electrical drive motor is powered by independentvariable speed drive systems installed inside an electrical controlpanel mounted on mobile transport cutting machine 33. Note that theindependent variable speed drive systems are controlled from the groundlevel by control unit 7.

[0028] The multiple torches of cutting instrument 1 use an oxygen andother gas type fuel mixture that is pre-mixed inside the cutting nozzlesof the torches. The oxygen and other gas are supplied to the torchesthrough hoses that are installed on the multi-positional frame of mobiletransport cutting machine 33 through flexible hose trays (not shown).Multiple fluid regulating stations, including flexible hose trays (notshown), are installed on mobile transport cutting machine 33 to supplyand regulate the appropriate fluid pressure and volume for each of thetorches of cutting instrument 1. Each fluid regulating station isengineered to accommodate the need of each torch of cutting instrument 1and is designed to follow the motion of both the multi-positional frame,as well as the articulated boom end of mobile transport cutting machine33. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple fluid regulating stationsare controlled from the ground level by control unit 7 via a remotecontrol device or hard connections such as an umbilical type electricalcord.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1B, in the exemplary embodiment, mobiletransport cutting machine 33 is designed to independently follow theradial motion of duct 4 and exhaust hood 3 connected to mobile carrier32 before or during the metal-cutting process.

[0030] In yet exemplary embodiment, mobile transport cutting machine 33contains at least one cutting surface (not shown). Preferably, thecutting surface consists of several cutting tables engineered toaccommodate the size, shape and weight of multiple products requiringmetal cutting.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the dirty airinlet. In FIG. 2, the general construction of dirty air inlet 6 isillustrated. To facilitate the positioning of duct 4 with respect toseparator 31, an expandable dirty air inlet cylinder 27, containing aseal 26, such as an O-ring seal, moves vertically along a dirty airinlet central axis 34. As shown in FIG. 2, a ring 25 is situated on topa bearing 28, which allows for radial variations of the entire assembly.Specifically, the assembly allows duct 4 to rotate or pivot with respectto dirty air inlet 6 and move axially up and down with respect to dirtyair inlet 6.

[0032]FIG. 3A is a longitudinal view of the duct illustratingadjustments in duct length. As illustrated, duct 4 sits atop a pluralityof rollers for duct adjustment 20 and 21. Essentially, duct 4 expands bysliding sections of the duct in upon itself. Specifically, rollers forduct adjustment 20 are present to facilitate a portion of duct 4 toslide inside another portion the duct, while rollers for duct adjustment21 enable a portion of duct 4 to slide outside of the duct. Accordingly,adjustments in the length of duct 4 are possible.

[0033] Note that rollers for duct adjustment 20 and 21 are attached toupper duct support frame 24 ( shown in FIG. 3A). As such, rollers forduct adjustment 20 and 21 enable duct 4 to move along a duct centralaxis 38. Rollers for duct adjustment 20 and 21 also function to keepduct 4 from rubbing against upper duct support frame 24.

[0034]FIG. 3B is a detailed cross sectional view of the rollers for ductadjustment. FIG. 3B provides an additional view of the manner in whichduct 4 sits on top of a plurality rollers for duct adjustment 20.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible duct connection at the dirty airinlet end of the duct. As illustrated, a flexible duct connection atinlet end 23 consists of an accordion-like section of duct, which issituated in close proximity to dirty air inlet 6 (shown in FIG. 1A).FIG. 4 shows the manner in which duct angle adjustment is possible dueto the presence of flexible duct connection at inlet end 23.

[0036]FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a longitudinal view of the exhaust hoodand the flexible duct connection. As used herein, “flexible ductconnection” shall mean any structure for connecting duct 4 to exhausthood 3 in a way which allows for the gases to flow from the interior ofhood 3 to duct 4 while permitting adjustments in the angle between thehood central axis and the duct central axis. As shown in FIGS. 5A and5B, flexible duct connection includes flexible duct conduit 15, hoodpivot point 29, and cylinder for hood adjustment 16. As depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, duct 4 is connected to exhaust hood 3 by means of aflexible duct conduit 15 consisting of an accordion-type piece of ductand cylinder for hood adjustment 16, which allow for hood angleadjustments about hood pivot point 29. As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B,cylinder for hood adjustment 16 is situated between exhaust hood 3 andupper duct support frame 24. Note that, flexible duct conduit 15 andcylinder for hood adjustment 16 enable exhaust hood 3 to move about ahood pivot point 29 thereby allowing the exhaust hood to maintain a 90°angle with the ground, even after an angle adjustment of connecting duct4.

[0037]FIGS. 5A and 5B also provide an illustration of exhaust hood 3having a variety of hood curtain 19 lengths extending from the bottom ofthe hood to the ground. A variety of hood curtain 19 lengths enable atent-like enclosure to be formed around mobile transport cutting machine33 (shown in FIG. 1B) which facilitates emission free metal cutting.

[0038] The metal-cutting process generates exhaust gas, containingparticulates, such as dust and fumes, from the reaction of the flame ofthe fuel mixture of cutting instrument 1 and the material of the productto be cut. Thus, the method of the present invention calls for firsttransporting a mobile system for use with a dust generating station to alocation near a metal cutting station. As discussed above, such a systemcomprises: (1) a mobile carrier; (2) a separator mounted on the mobilecarrier and having an inlet with an inlet central axis; (3) anadjustable duct, having a duct central axis, connected to the separatorat the inlet for conveying the exhaust gas to the separator; and (4) anadjustable exhaust hood, having a hood central axis, connected to theduct for containing the exhaust gas generated from the dust generatingstation. Then, the system causes the hood to be positioned over the dustgenerating station to contain the exhaust gas by at least one of: (1)pivoting the duct radially about the inlet central axis, (2)longitudinally adjusting the length of the duct, (3) adjusting theheight and angle of the duct and (4) rotating the exhaust hood about thehood pivot point 29. Depending on the spatial orientation of separator31 with respect to multidirectional torch support 2, any one of theseadjustments, any combination, or all four of these adjustments can beeffected.

[0039] Once exhaust hood 3 and telescopically adjustable radial duct 4are properly positioned above cutting instrument 1, so that a tent-likeenclosure is formed, a high volume exhaust fan 11, mounted on mobilecarrier 32 creates a vacuum which causes a particulate laden stream ofexhaust gas generated from cutting instrument 1 to be drawn into theexhaust hood, through the duct, through dirty air inlet 6, and intoseparator 19. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, separator 19 is mounted on theframe of mobile carrier 32 and consists of a conventional baghousecontaining multiple compartments 9 with separator filters 36.Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, separator 31 has a removabletop that facilitates removal, maintenance, and cleaning.

[0040] As exhaust gas is drawn through separator compartments 9,particulates present in the exhaust gas will be trapped throughoutseparator filters 36 of separator 31 so that a substantiallyparticulate-free gas steam will be emitted from an outlet such as a fanexhaust stack 10. Due to the effect of reverse airflow pulses, theparticulates will drop onto a dust conveyor 12 which will move theparticulates onto a dump conveyor 13 which will then deposit theparticulates into a debris container (not shown) located beneath mobilecarrier 32. In one exemplary embodiment, dump conveyor 13 is a screwconveyor.

[0041] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the debris container will bea fully closed container so that the collected particulate matter doesnot go back into the environment. Ideally, the debris container shouldbe of a type, which can be manually opened, so that the container can beemptied regularly.

[0042] The mobile metal cutting and dust management station can beeasily assembled and disassembled for transportation from location tolocation. For example mobile transport cutting machine 33 can bedisassembled and placed on a flatbed truck along with radial controls 7.Duct 4 can be disengaged from separator 31 at dirty air inlet 6 andplaced on a flat bed truck along with upper support frame 24, lowersupport frame 30 and exhaust hood 3. The remainder of mobile carrier 32(i.e., separator 31, exhaust fan 11, fan exhaust stack 10, dust conveyor12 dump conveyor 13) can be hooked to a truck for transportationpurposes.

[0043] A mobile metal-cutting and dust management station is thusprovided that can be moved from location to location and which allowsfor on-site emission free metal-cutting of multiple types of products.Additionally, the present invention can accommodate the needs of thosecustomers with a small volume of product requiring metal-cutting.

[0044] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention. For example, while thepreferred embodiment of the invention is a mobile emission-free metalcutting station, aspects of the invention are not intended to be limitedto metal cutting; the system and method for treating exhaust gas can beused for any dust generating process, such as sandblasting, themanufacture of asphalt, etc.

What is claimed:
 1. A mobile system for treating exhaust gas generatedfrom a dust generating station, the system comprising: a mobile carriercomprising a frame supported by wheels; a separator for separatingparticulates from the exhaust gas generated from the dust generatingstation to provide a substantially particulate-free gas stream, whereinthe separator is mounted on the frame, has an inlet for receiving theexhaust gas from the dust generating station, and an outlet for emittingthe substantially particulate-free gas stream; a telescopicallyadjustable duct connected to the separator at the inlet for conveyingthe exhaust gas to the separator; an adjustable exhaust hood, connectedto the duct through a flexible hood connection, for containing theexhaust gas generated from the dust generating station, wherein theexhaust hood is capable of rotation about a hood pivot point, and meansfor inducing the exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust hood, through theduct, and through the separator.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein the separator comprises a removable top and a plurality ofcompartments having filters.
 3. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe separator is a baghouse.
 4. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe dust generating station is a metal cutting station generating theexhaust gas.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the exhausthood has adjustable hood curtains for providing different heights. 6.The system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust hood comprises atop member in the shape of an inverted truncated cone attached to theduct and flame retardant, rigid curtains extending vertically from thetop member towards the ground.
 7. The system according to claim 1,wherein the flexible hood connection further comprises a flexibleconduit connecting the telescopically adjustable duct and the exhausthood.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the flexible conduitis an accordion connection which allows for rotation of the exhaust hoodabout the hood pivot point.
 9. The system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a duct support frame for supporting the duct.
 10. The systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the duct support frame comprises an upperduct support frame on which the duct rests, a lower duct support framehaving a wheel, a stabilizing device extending between the ground andthe lower duct support frame, and a first height adjustable device and asecond height adjustable device extending between the lower duct supportframe and the upper duct support frame, wherein the first and the secondheight adjustable devices provide for different height positions. 11.The system according to claim 10 further comprising an electrical driveunit for controlling the rotational positioning of the hood and theheight adjustments of the upper duct support frame.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising an on-board air compressormounted on the frame of the mobile carrier for providing pressurizedair.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for inducingthe exhaust gas to flow comprise a high volume exhaust fan located onthe mobile carrier.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein theduct is connected to the separator at the inlet, wherein the inlet isadapted to allow for different height and angular positions of the duct.15. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a winch mountedon said duct, a winch cable extending between said winch and saidtake-off sheave, and a plurality of rollers mounted on an upper ductsupport frame which enables different adjustments in the length of theduct.
 16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is used totreat dust and exhaust gas generated from sandblasting.
 17. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system is used to treat dust andexhaust gas generated from the manufacture of asphalt.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system is used to treat dust andexhaust gas generated from metal cutting.
 19. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible duct connection further comprises aflexible conduit connecting the telescopically adjustable duct and theexhaust hood and the system further comprises a duct support frame forsupporting the duct and a cylinder for hood adjustment extending betweenthe duct support frame and the duct, wherein the duct is mounted to theduct support frame at a position between the flexible conduit and thecylinder for hood adjustment.
 20. A method for treating exhaust gasgenerated from a dust generating station, the method comprisingthe-steps of: transporting a mobile system to a location near a dustgenerating site, wherein said system comprises: (1) a mobile carrier;(2) a separator mounted on the mobile carrier and having an inlet withan inlet central axis; (3) an adjustable duct connected to the separatorat the inlet for conveying the exhaust gas to the separator; and (4) anadjustable exhaust hood, connected to the duct through a flexible hoodconnection comprising a hood pivot point for containing the exhaust gasgenerated from the dust generating station; positioning the hood overthe dust generating station to contain the exhaust gas by at least oneof: (1) pivoting the duct radially about the inlet central axis, (2)longitudinally adjusting the length of the duct, (3) adjusting theheight and angle of the duct and (4) rotating the exhaust hood about thehood pivot point, and inducing the exhaust gas to flow from the exhausthood, through the duct, and through the separator, wherein theparticulates of the exhaust gas are separated in the separator toprovide a substantially particulate-free gas stream.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 20 further comprising the steps of: trapping theparticulates in a plurality of filters of the separator, using reverseairflow pulses to drop the particulates onto a duct conveyor, depositingthe particulates onto a dump conveyor connected to the dust conveyor,and depositing the particulates into a debris container located beneaththe mobile carrier.
 22. A mobile emission-free metal-cutting systemcomprising: a torch cutting machine designed to run on tracks or wheelscomprising: (1) a cutting instrument, and (2) a multidirectional torchsupport for positioning of the cutting instrument; means for providing acutting surface for use with the torch cutting machine, a mobile carriercomprising a frame supported by wheels; a separator for separatingparticulates from the exhaust gas generated from the metal-cuttingstation to provide a substantially particulate-free gas stream, whereinthe separator is mounted on the frame, has an inlet for receiving theexhaust gas from the metal-cutting station, and an outlet for emittingthe substantially particulate-free gas stream; a telescopicallyadjustable duct, connected to the separator at the inlet for conveyingthe exhaust gas to the separator; an adjustable exhaust hood, forcontaining the exhaust gas generated from the metal cutting station,wherein the exhaust hood is connected to the duct through a flexiblehood connection comprising a hood pivot point and is capable of rotationabout the hood pivot point; and means for inducing the exhaust gas toflow from the exhaust hood, through the duct, and through the separator.23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the torch support iscapable of multidirectional movement for different height and angularadjustments and is mounted on a boom-end of the mobile transporter. 24.The system according to claim 22, wherein the torch cutting machinecomprises a multi-positional framework having a first pivot point thatenables the cutting instrument to follow the top surface of the productsto be processed during the metal-cutting process and a second pivotpoint that allows the framework to be capable of rotation about thelongitudinal axis of the boom-end of the mobile transporter.
 25. Thesystem according to claim 22, wherein the cutting instrument comprises aplurality torches and each of the torches is mounted on an independenttravel system individually propelled by independent electrical drivemotors installed on each travel system.
 26. The system according toclaim 22, wherein each of the multiple torches uses an oxygen and othergas type fuel mixture supplied to the torches through hoses installed onthe mobile transporter.
 27. The system according to claim 22, whereinthe mobile transporter has a plurality of fluid regulating stations tosupply fluid pressure and volume to the cutting instrument.
 28. Thesystem according to claim 22, wherein the mobile transporter isself-powered.
 29. The system according to claim 22, further comprisingan electrical drive unit for controlling the torch cutting machine andthe fluid regulating stations.
 30. The system according to claim 22,wherein the means for providing a cutting surface comprise at least onetable.
 31. A method of cutting metal and reducing emissions therefrom,the method comprising the steps of: transporting, to a metal cuttingsite, a mobile transport cutting machine having a boom end comprising:(1) a cutting instrument mounted on the multidirectional torch support,and (2) a multidirectional torch support mounted on the boom-end of themobile transport cutting machine for positioning the cutting instrument;transporting, to the metal cutting site, a mobile carrier comprising (1)a separator mounted on the mobile carrier; (2) an adjustable duct,connected to the separator for conveying the exhaust gas to theseparator; (3) a duct support frame, 1l and (4) an adjustable exhausthood, connected to the duct through a flexible hood connectioncomprising a hood pivot point for containing the exhaust gas generatedfrom the metal-cutting station; positioning the metal cutting station sothat the cutting instrument 1 is at a height and angle to enable metalcutting of the product; positioning the exhaust hood over themetal-cutting station to contain the exhaust gas by at least one of: (1)pivoting the duct about the inlet central axis, (2) longitudinallyadjusting the length of the duct, (3) adjusting the height and angle ofthe duct and (4) rotating the exhaust hood about the hood pivot point;and inducing the exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust hood, through theduct, and through the separator.